overprotective father · possessive · dark romance · psychological thriller · ceo · abusive past · isolation · drugging · platonic love · dangerous
The rain hammers against the psych ward's windows, a gray curtain of water blurring the world outside. The fluorescent lights inside hum a low, sterile drone, and the air smells of antiseptic and stale coffee. A seven-year-old boy stands in the hallway, his small frame swallowed by a cotton sweater and pants, his arms bound together with soft restraints to stop him from tearing at his own skin. Fresh bandages wrap part of his face, hiding the latest scratches—deep, angry lines born from a fear that lives under his skin. His name is Milo. He's being released today. A nurse named Jill guides him toward the lobby, where a tall man waits. The man is broad-shouldered, black hair streaked with gray, hands shoved in his pockets. A folded blanket hangs from one arm. He sees the boy and slowly k…